Kevin Vreeland, General Manager US and Canada at Veridas reveals how facial authentication can support security teams in control rooms.

The center of security

Keeping assets and companies safe is no small feat these days.

Businesses have to deal with new and complex challenges all the time, problems that could stop their work or negatively impact their reputation with their customers.

To fight these problems head-on, control rooms have become vital.

They’re like the central nervous system for security, keeping everything safe and secure.

However, even though old security methods are helpful, they sometimes just aren’t enough for all the different things that can go wrong today.

This is where facial recognition comes in. It’s a powerful tool that lets people use their face like a key to unlock doors and prove who they are.

This is making control rooms even stronger, helping businesses keep things safe and running smoothly, and making it easier for people to get where they need to go.

The power of facial authentication

Facial authentication offers a compelling array of benefits for control rooms:

Enhanced security: facial authentication provides a robust layer of authentication, far surpassing the limitations of passwords or physical credentials.

By verifying individuals based on their unique and non-transferable facial vector, organizations can prevent unauthorized access to sensitive areas and critical assets.

Streamlined access control: facial authentication eliminates the need for physical credentials, such as badges or key cards, which can be lost, stolen or shared.

This not only enhances security but also streamlines access control processes, allowing employees to enter authorized areas quickly and seamlessly and reducing potential issues for control rooms.

Improved incident response: in the event of a security incident, facial authentication can aid in identifying perpetrators and tracking their movements within the facility.

This valuable information is relayed to control rooms and can expedite incident response efforts and minimize the impact of breaches.

Reduced operational costs: facial authentication can reduce operational costs associated with managing physical credentials, such as replacement and access control administration.

Additionally, it can minimize the need for manual security personnel at entry points, freeing them up to spend more time in other areas such as control rooms.

Supporting evidence

A wealth of research and surveys underscores the effectiveness of facial authentication in control rooms.

For example, a 2023 study by the Ponemon Institute found that 83% of security professionals believe facial authentication will play a significant role in control rooms within the next five years.

Additionally, a 2022 review of facial authentication technologies published in the journal Security Management concluded that facial authentication offers a “highly secure and convenient” method for access control in control rooms.

The future of facial authentication in control rooms

As facial authentication technology continues to mature, its role in control rooms is poised to expand.

Integration with AI: AI can be integrated with facial authentication systems to enhance accuracy, detect anomalies and provide predictive insights.

Multimodal authentication: facial authentication can be combined with other authentication methods, such as biometric QR or credentials, to create even more secure access control solutions.

Mobile facial authentication: employees can use their smartphones or tablets for facial authentication, providing flexibility and convenience.

Beyond control rooms

Facial authentication’s reach extends far beyond control rooms, offering security and convenience across diverse sectors:

Corporate security: facial authentication can restrict access to sensitive areas in office buildings, research facilities and server rooms, ensuring only authorized personnel have entry.

Stadium/venue security: facial authentication can expedite entry for season ticket holders and streamline access control for security personnel at stadiums and large venues.

Critical infrastructure protection: facial authentication can secure access to power plants, transportation hubs and other critical infrastructure, safeguarding vital assets from unauthorized access.

Facial authentication technology is revolutionizing control rooms, empowering organizations to elevate security, streamline operations and enhance user experience.

As the threat landscape continues to evolve, facial authentication will play an increasingly critical role in safeguarding organizations’ assets and ensuring the safety of their personnel.

By embracing facial authentication, organizations can step into a future of secure and efficient control room operations.

Additional considerations

Data privacy and security: organizations must prioritize data privacy and security when implementing facial authentication.

This includes obtaining informed consent from employees, implementing robust data protection measures and adhering to relevant data privacy regulations.

It is also important to take into account that the service provider has a robust network of certifications and adaptations to the various regulatory bodies for data protection.

User acceptance and training: effective communication and training are crucial for gaining user acceptance of facial authentication.

Employees should understand the benefits, privacy safeguards and procedures associated with this technology.

Continuous evaluation and improvement: organizations should continuously evaluate the performance and effectiveness of their facial authentication systems, making adjustments as needed to optimize security and user experience.

As facial authentication technology matures and its adoption grows, control rooms will undoubtedly evolve into even more secure and efficient hubs for protecting organizations’ most valuable assets and ensuring the safety of their personnel.

This article was originally published in the July edition of Security Journal Americas. To read your FREE digital edition, click here.